Whether he’s playing master of ceremonies at a Libertines show or reciting Georgian ballads down your local, Luke is adept at taking poetry places it doesn’t normally go. His poems can be tender, riotous, caustic and romantic and he delivers them with the ferocity and panache of a raconteur at the top of his game. Ian Duhig describes his third collection, The Feel-Good Movie of the Year, as “a terrific new book: subtle, nuanced and movingly personal. A hurt man taking stock in fresh words.” Celebrating 25 years on stages, his latest show, Luke Wright’s Silver Jubilee, enjoyed a sold-out run at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2023 before a 60-date UK tour with feature performances at Verve, Ledbury, Winchester and Nottingham Poetry Festivals. The Telegraph said “this is the best thing he’s done, and that’s saying something”, and gave the show five stars. His work has a won a Fringe First, a 4Talent Award, a Stage Award and four Saboteur Awards, including the 2021 Best Spoken Word Performer. He was poet-in-residence for BBC Radio 4’s Saturday Live for six years, and regularly supports John Cooper Clarke on tour. His new show JOY launches this summer.
“Luke Wright is one of the greats. A poetic pugilist. Beguiling and hypnotic." Carl Barât
“Breathtaking … with a sharpness and wisdom that lifts the soul, and soothes the battered heart.” ★★★★ The Scotsman
"A winning combination of honesty, humour, ire and wonder. He is at the peak of his powers.” ★★★★★ The Stage
Timetable
3.30-5pm: Arrival of participants. We’ll welcome you, show you to your room and offer refreshments.
5pm: Cocktails in the garden – a chance to meet other course attendees and staff.
5.30-6pm: Introductory talk from Murphy. Please make sure you arrive in time as it will include information about the week and a tour of the house and gardens.
6.30-8pm: The first writing workshop of the week. Luke will introduce himself and outline his plans for the week. You can explain what you’d like to achieve. There’ll be discussion, short exercises, and perhaps a spot of homework for Tuesday morning.
8.30pm: Dinner under the stars or in the billiard room
